LEG-Up News: Verdugo Hills May Brings Out A-Rated Competition

Source: News Release

Verdugo Hills May Brings Out A-Rated Competition

We have reached the midway point of the 2016 Verdugo Hills series of shows. The competition kicked up a notch at the USEF National rated Verdugo Hills May (May 20-22). In the race for Verdugo Hills Trainer Incentives, Sandrine Seifert, Lisa Stroway, and Michelle Morris lead the pack. These ladies could win a free three- or four-day getaway trip to a fantastic location of their choice: Lake Tahoe, Newport Beach, Palm Desert, or Las Vegas. The $2,500 LEGIS Hunter Derby Rider Bonus is still up for grabs as well, with Melissa Sklenar, Ivey Burns, and Chad Mahaffey all in the running for a bonus check if they win another hunter derby. Here are a few winning riders who are steadily making their way toward year-end awards.

Chad Mahaffey and Journey (Melissa Beaton, owner)
Winner, $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Champion, Pre-Green Hunter 3’3”

Chad Mahaffey may be a catch rider for Journey, but the pair have a great chemistry together and sealed the deal with a win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. “This show was an A-quality show and I particularly enjoyed the nationally rated hunter derby,” Chad commented. “The derby course was very nice with lots of handy options to navigate.” Journey and Chad made both courses look effortless as they cruised to the blue ribbon. “Journey is a very athletic horse with tons of scope and a wonderful expression. I had a really great time with him and I’m happy to be filling in for Deni Hird, who is still recovering from her injury,” Chad shared. “I was especially thrilled to share the spotlight with my junior rider, Julia Greenspan, who placed second!”

Michelle Beaton-Kent (Stephanie Haney, trainer) also showed Journey to a win in the $500 Children's Hunter Classic and was champion in Children’s Hunter 17 & Under 3’0" and ‘B’ Outreach All Ages Combined 2’6"/2'9".

Photo Kristen Lee

Jessica Sanders (Heatherly Davis, trainer) and BB Quiberon (Georgy Maskrey-Segesman, owner)
Winner, ASPCA/Maclay Medal Class 3’6’’
Second place, CPHA Junior/Senior Medal 3’6”

Though she may not have as much experience as other riders, Jessica’s talent in the show ring was undeniable as she clinched the win the ASPCA/Maclay Medal Class. “The course was challenging and really made you ride,” Jessica recounted. “There were two bending lines, each set for a different pace, so you had to adjust your ride accordingly.” Jessica and BB Quiberon have been together for about a year and only recently started competing in the 3’6” medals. “I have only ridden in this class a handful of times, so the win was really meaningful for me,” Jessica explained. “Just about four years ago I was jumping crossrails, so I was so happy with this blue ribbon. I’m really excited about my improvement and looking forward to the future.” Jessica hopes to reach the Maclay finals for the first time this year.

Ashleigh Adkins (Jeni Brown, trainer) and her Hudson
Winner, LAHJA Rosewood Medal Class 3’0’’
Second place, LAHJA Horsemanship Medal 2’9"

Thirteen-year-old Ashleigh was thrilled to win the LAHJA Rosewood Medal class, especially after a competitive work-off. “The other two riders in the work-off were fantastic, so I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Ashleigh remembered. “The work-off included a trot fence, a rollback, and a hand gallop oxer. I haven’t won a medal class in awhile, so I was happily surprised when I won.” The win brings her one step closer to her goal. “One of my main goals is to qualify for medal finals at the 3’ level before I age out next year,” Ashleigh explained. “Since I got my horse a year and a half ago, we’ve been focusing more on the medal classes. I hope we can qualify this year!”

Photo Mike Keener

Amelie Bittar (Georges Bittar, trainer) with Why Not B and Beirut B (Georges Bittar, Owner)
First and second place, $1,000 1.10M Children's/Adult Amateur Jumper Classic
First and second place, $500 1.00M Low Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper Classic
Reserve Champion, 1.00M Low Children's/Adult Amateur Jumpers
Winner, 1.10M Child/Adult Amateur Jumpers

Amelie proved she could live up to her older sister’s reputation, topping the leaderboard in several jumper classes. “My sister Alyce couldn’t show because she had to study for her finals, so I got to ride her horse, Beirut,” Amelie explained. “Usually, I compete against her and she generally wins, so I was really excited and happy when I won! It was a huge accomplishment for me. I just recently moved up to the 1.10M level, so this was a great learning experience for me as well.”

Lacy Stormes (Candice Stormes, trainer) and her Samurai Z
Winner, 1.20M Jumpers

Lacy and Samurai Z geared up for the summer show season in the jumper arena, earning a blue ribbon in the 1.20M. “I’m hoping to do a few grands prix with Samurai this summer, and we have enjoyed practicing at Verdugo Hills with Shauna Pennell, who has been a huge help,” Lacy shared. “I enjoy showing at Verdugo Hills because it is a good quality show that’s close to me. The courses are challenging enough, but not too overwhelming, which is great preparation.” Lacy plans to show Samurai at the Memorial Day Classic (May 26-29) at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

LEG Up News file photo